Wimbledon College of Art is now part of University of the Arts London

Wimbledon School of Art will become the sixth College of University of the Arts London from 1 August 2006.

The merger will see the School change its name to Wimbledon College of Art and join five of the UK's most innovative art colleges: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, Chelsea College of Art and Design, London College of Communication and London College of Fashion, to further enhance University of the Arts London's reputation as Europe's leading arts university.

Wimbledon School of Art Principal Rod Bugg says: "Wimbledon School of Art has a long history as a leading specialist art college in London, and I am pleased that this tradition will not only continue, but be enhanced, by the merger with University of the Arts London.

"There are huge academic and structural benefits associated with becoming the sixth College of University of the Arts London, and I am glad that our students will be able to take advantage of being part of the largest and most comprehensive arts university in Europe."

Sir Michael Bichard, Rector of University of the Arts London says: "I am delighted that such a distinguished art school as Wimbledon is to become a College of University of the Arts London. The merger promises much for both organisations and I am grateful to those who have made it happen."

University of the Arts London boasts a diverse and creative community of 18,000 full and part time students from more than 100 countries, studying at levels from further and higher education to postgraduate and research.

With over 400 courses art, design, fashion, performing arts, and communications, University of the Arts London is committed to developing one of the foremost institutions in the world for learning, practice, research and development in art design and communication.

The Colleges of the University of the Arts London have produced many of the greatest names in art, design, communications, fashion and performing arts, including: Anish Kapoor, Sir Terence Conran, John Galliano, Ralph Fiennes, Sarah Lucas, Gavin Turk, Stella McCartney, Gilbert and George, Antony Gormley and Pierce Brosnan.

Wimbledon School of Art enjoys a world-renowned reputation for excellence in fine arts education and has recently been identified as an outstanding provider of further education. The School boasts the UK's largest School of Theatre, offering a comprehensive programme of theatre, film and television related study. Alumni include three times Oscar winner for costume design James Acheson and Lion King set designer Richard Hudson.

Read more about Wimbledon at www.wimbledon.arts.ac.uk

Notes to Editors

1. For further information contact: Garfield Myrie in the University of the Arts London Press Office on: 020 7514 6218, mobile: 07736 056 733, or e-mail g.myrie@arts.ac.uk
2. University of the Arts London (formerly the London Institute), inaugurated in May 2004, is the first dedicated arts institution in the UK to achieve university title. The University brings together in a single federated structure five of the world's most famous art and design colleges. They are:
   • Camberwell College of Arts
   • Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design  (incorporating Drama Centre and Byam Shaw School of Art)
   • Chelsea College of Art and Design
   • London College of Communication (formerly London College of Printing)
   • London College of Fashion (incorporating Cordwainers)
   • Wimbledon College of Art.